This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to undertake swiftwater and floodwater rescues and recoveries as a member of a specialist team.

Swiftwater and floodwater recovery involves the rescue of persons from fast moving water in areas such as stormwater drains, canals, rivers and/or creeks. It involves the use of a variety of rescue techniques with suitably equipped and responders entering the water.

The unit applies to personnel who are skilled operators who may be required to use a range of rescue techniques within a swiftwater and floodwater environment. They may provide technical advice and support to a team and may adopt a leadership role during a rescue. A person operating at this level will not be performing under direct supervision.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare and respond to the rescue

1.1

Operation and task information is obtained from communications centre or briefing from supervisor

1.2

Rescue equipment and/or resources are identified and selected based on incident information received

1.3

Personal protective clothing and equipment is selected based on the nature of the rescue operation

1.4

Any further details on the nature of the rescue received en route is assessed with rescue team members

1.5

Anticipated situational and environmental hazards are discussed with rescue team members while on approach and are used as the basis for the development of a rescue plan

2

Assess the rescue scene

2.1

Information is collected from relevant persons at scene and observations are made to determine the location, number, condition and position of trapped casualties

2.2

Changes in casualty condition and position are monitored and impact on rescue is assessed

2.3

Risk assessment on situational and environmental hazards is conducted and control measures to ensure safety of self and others are developed

2.4

Communication with team members is maintained during rescue

2.5

Requests for additional personnel and/or specialist equipment based on risk assessment is reported to supervisor, in accordance with organisational procedures and the recognised chain of command

2.6

Personal capabilities and limitations of self and other team members are identified and referred to supervisor

3

Develop primary and secondary rescue plans

3.1

Rescue and recovery techniques suitable to trapped casualty and vehicles in swiftwater and floodwater conditions are identified

3.2

Primary and secondary rescue plans are developed based on risk assessment, identification of appropriate rescue and recovery techniques and in consultation with team members and other organisations/agencies

3.3

Equipment and resources are selected to perform rescues and recoveries, as identified in the rescue plan

3.4

Roles and equipment are allocated to other team members, in accordance with organisational procedures

3.5

In conjunction with the primary plan deployment of secondary rescue plan downstream is implemented

4

Use rope and mechanical advantage systems

4.1

Rescue and recovery situations requiring the use of rope and mechanical advantage systems are identified

4.2

Suitable rope and mechanical advantage systems are established to perform rescue and recovery

4.3

Rope and mechanical advantage system equipment is used, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and manufacturers' recommendations, to ensure design limits are not exceeded

4.4

Rope and mechanical advantage system is modified to increase efficiency, where necessary, while maintaining communication with team members

5

Gain access and perform casualty rescue

5.1

Defensive and aggressive swimming techniques are used to gain access to casualty when water entry is required, in accordance with organisational procedures

5.2

Isolation techniques are used to stabilise positioning of casualty and vehicle to assist in extrication

5.3

Craft is tethered to perform a rescue or recovery, as required, in accordance with the rescue plan

5.4

Rescue plan is implemented and trapped casualty is extricated or secured using appropriate rescue and recovery techniques and equipment

6

Remove casualty from swiftwater and floodwater

6.1

Casualty is retrieved from swiftwater and floodwater using techniques for removal, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

6.2

Casualty is packaged and handled, in accordance with organisational emergency care procedures or as directed by first aid or medical personnel

7

Conclude swiftwater and floodwater rescue

7.1

Prior to leaving the scene equipment is recovered, cleaned and maintained, in accordance with organisational procedures and manufacturers' guidelines

7.2

During cleaning of rescue equipment and personal protective equipment, hygiene precautions are followed, in accordance with organisational procedures

7.3

Signs and symptoms of operational stress in self and others is recognised and reported to appropriate personnel

7.4

Operational debriefing is participated in or conducted, in accordance with organisational procedures

7.5

Documentation is completed, in accordance with organisational procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable

Search and Rescue